Here’s a list of ingredients for **Instant Pot Vegetarian Baked Beans**, formatted with SEO-friendly keywords to help your recipe rank higher:
- **1 pound dried navy beans** (or pinto beans, great northern beans, or cannellini beans)
- **1 medium onion, finely chopped** (adds flavor and texture)
- **3 cloves garlic, minced** (for a savory, aromatic base)
- **1/4 cup tomato paste** (creates a rich, thick sauce)
- **1/4 cup molasses** (adds sweetness and depth of flavor)
- **1/4 cup pure maple syrup** (natural sweetener for a hint of caramelized flavor)
- **2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar** (balances sweetness with tanginess)
- **1 tablespoon Dijon mustard** (adds a tangy, zesty kick)
- **1 teaspoon smoked paprika** (for a smoky, savory flavor)
- **1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper** (enhances overall seasoning)
- **1 teaspoon salt** (adjust to taste)
- **1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke** (optional, for extra smokiness)
- **4 cups vegetable broth** (or water, for cooking the beans)
- **1 bay leaf** (adds subtle herbal notes)
### Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:
- **1/2 teaspoon chili powder** (for a hint of spice)
- **1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper** (for a spicy kick)
- **1/2 cup diced bell peppers** (adds color and crunch)
- **1/4 cup brown sugar** (for extra sweetness, if desired)
This **vegetarian baked beans recipe** is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a hearty side dish. It’s **gluten-free**, **vegan-friendly**, and packed with **plant-based protein** and **fiber**. Enjoy these **smoky, sweet, and tangy baked beans** straight from your **Instant Pot**!
Steps
# How to Make Instant Pot Vegetarian Baked Beans: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you're looking for a hearty, protein-packed, and flavorful vegetarian dish, **Instant Pot Vegetarian Baked Beans** are the perfect choice. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious batch of baked beans that will impress your family and friends.
---
## **Ingredients for Instant Pot Vegetarian Baked Beans**
- 2 cups dried navy beans (or pinto beans)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or brown sugar)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 bay leaf
---
## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **Step 1: Prep the Beans**
1. Rinse the dried beans under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Soak the beans overnight in water (optional but recommended for faster cooking). If you’re short on time, skip soaking and use the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function to soften the beans.
---
### **Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**
1. Set your Instant Pot to **Sauté mode** and add a splash of oil.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
---
### **Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients**
1. Add the soaked (or unsoaked) beans to the Instant Pot.
2. Pour in the tomato sauce, molasses, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and bay leaf.
3. Add the vegetable broth (or water) and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
---
### **Step 4: Pressure Cook the Beans**
1. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the **Sealing position**.
2. Select **Manual/Pressure Cook** mode and set the timer for **45 minutes** (for soaked beans) or **60 minutes** (for unsoaked beans).
3. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for **15-20 minutes**.
---
### **Step 5: Thicken the Sauce**
1. Open the lid and remove the bay leaf.
2. If the sauce is too thin, set the Instant Pot to **Sauté mode** and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the desired consistency is reached.
---
### **Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Serve your **Instant Pot Vegetarian Baked Beans** hot as a main dish or side. Pair with cornbread, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
---
## **Tips for Perfect Vegetarian Baked Beans**
- **Soaking Beans:** Soaking reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
- **Flavor Variations:** Add a dash of liquid smoke for a deeper smoky flavor or chili powder for a spicy kick.
- **Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
---
This **Instant Pot Vegetarian Baked Beans** recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or cozy weeknight dinners. With its rich, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor, it’s a healthy and satisfying dish that everyone will love. Try it today and enjoy the convenience of your Instant Pot!